Turf Removal Update

The demo portion of the turf removal project is well underway.  Holes 3 to 8 have been sprayed out two times and the turf is being stripped.  The first cut is completed with two passes of a sod cutter followed by a crew with shovels and a skid steer pulling the mess away from the grass that will remain.

Other workers are digging up sprinkler heads and pipes, preparing to shrink our irrigated area.  When we finish up, there will be 33% less turf on the golf course.

Every hole south of Bernardo Heights Pkwy will be getting treated with herbicide next Monday.  The lines are all marked and the course will be closed so this very important application can proceed quickly and smoothly.  We have marked off a couple locations to use the sod in thin locations and to replace non-bermuda turf.  Two weeks after cutting, the bermuda will leaf out and we will treat with herbicide prior to removal.

To the left is a photo of a sample of the sand that will replace some of the turf coming out.  It isn't a granite-based product, so we can stop calling it DG.  Until we think of a more clever name, we'll just call it sand.  This product compacts well, has  great color, and is free of rocks, so no dings in your clubs.

We will also be using mulch in many locations.  The material is a dark brown stained mulch, very similar to the landscaping on the 11th hole around the pump house.  I will place samples of both products outside the proshop to give you a better look.


So far, one of my favorite changes is the par four 6th hole.  This is a fairly short and simple dogleg right that has always seemed a little bland off the tee.  You can punch a hybrid or 3 wood out to the left side and not think twice about it.  I hope the new shape makes you think as it looks like more of a carry than it is.  The fairway is well defined and the left side will become more than a pasture of turf.  Simply put, this hole looks more interesting than it ever has.  Wait till we get some plants in the ground.

I'll have some examples of plant types in a future post.